With the running, jumping and occasional tussle, some might think police officers would have a corner on fitness.

Not quite.

The physical nature of police work does not necessarily mean law enforcement officers escape the health concerns that most Californians face every day.

James Evans, a family medicine physician at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, said he treats several law enforcement officers in his practice.

A thing that sets most police officers and sheriff’s deputies apart from much of the general public is the importance of staying in good physical condition.

They have the best intentions, but sometimes fall short, Evans said.

“It’s just like anyone else,” he said.

And like everyone else, they suffer from most of the same ailments.

“The most common thing I see in deputies is hypertension,” Evans said.

Ontario Deputy Police Chief John Evans said there are weight requirements at the beginning of a police officer’s career. There are fitness requirements when they take their fitness exam and in the academy.

However, after they are on the force, those strict guidelines are relaxed.

“There is no ongoing maintenance but the Police Department does have a gym.”

Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST, details on its website the physical requirements for potential law enforcement officers.

“Students must take and pass the POST work sample test battery after completing the physical conditioning program, but before academy graduation,” according to the website. “Academies may have a substitute test, or they may have additional tests that students must pass before graduation.”

There is an obstacle course where students run 99 yards that consists of sharp turns, height obstacles and a 34-inch obstacle that must be “vaulted.”

Students must also lift and drag a 165-pound lifelike dummy for 32 feet, climb over a 6-foot chain-link fence and continue running for 25 yards.

Chain-link fences are not the only barriers students must navigate. According to the website, students must run 5 yards to a 6-foot-tall fence, climb over it and continue running an additional 25 yards.

When a person stops working out or if you become less active, muscles begin to shrink. In many cases, those people will gain weight. At that point, muscles, which have become smaller, are being asked to move more weight, he said.

“Which puts you at a disadvantage,” Evans said.

The doctor tailors his medical advice to the specifics of a person’s job, he said.

Evans said he likes to remind officers and deputies that their bulletproof vests are likely to fit better if they shed extra pounds.

In addition, he reminds them they are role models for the public with whom they come in contact.

Like Ontario, the San Bernardino Police Department does not have a weight requirement for their officers after they are hired.

One of the biggest issues that officers physically confront is going from being relatively sedentary in a squad car to sudden physical activity, such as being involved in a fight or a chase, he said.

Ontario police Officer Anthony Oritz has been in law enforcement for 14 years. The former Los Angeles Police Department officer is now working in SWAT.

“I think the most important thing a cop can do is just watch the diet,” Ortiz said. “You’re on the run a lot. If you do have to go to a fast food location, you want to get something that doesn’t weigh you down.”

He said he avoids heavy, fried foods, such as french fries.

“You want to get something like a fresh sandwich,” Ortiz said. “I also drink a lot of water and juices that are low in sugar.”

Ortiz works out at least five times a week. His regimen consists of low-impact, fat-burning cardio for 30 to 45 minutes as well as weight training.

Another important component for law-enforcement personnel in the battle against fat is regular checkups with their doctors.

“I recommend all officers get yearly physicals,” Ortiz said. “We have good benefits – use them.”

Ontario police SWAT member Harald Laub said fitness is important for law enforcement in the department’s gym.

“Physical fitness is a lifestyle,” Laub said while among the weights, benches and cardio machines. “Especially being in public safety, you have to stay fit.”

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